> Zeldritzon [Cycle 2]
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Troubling images and emotions plagued KiAera's slumber. Her memories of life on Earth tormented her—her childhood, her family, her friends. She saw the faces of those she loved and lost: her sister, her parents, her comrades, her mentor. Finally, she saw the man who had taken everything from her, the man who had ruined humankind.
She saw his cruel smile; she felt his cold gaze, and she heard his wicked laugh.
His flesh tore, discarded, until it revealed a mechanical menace. His crimson bones shifted and bent into sharpened points that resembled the legs of a spider. The gears whirred and his metal skeleton creaked as he crawled towards her. He reached out, his hands grasping at her, and she screamed in terror.
"Ki…Aera…they are…upon us…our forces! Our forces won't last long! Go, now and return with reinforcements! Go!" Another man, covered in grime, dust, and blood, shoved her.
KiAera stumbled back, confused, only to discover…that she was human again.
"We're being slaughtered! What are you standing around for?! Go! Now!" The man roared, pushing her with all his might.
KiAera staggered and fell to the ground. Head swiveling, she noticed the surrounding battlefield was chaotic. No matter how far she inspected, bodies were strewn everywhere; both human and machine. The air was thick with smoke and ash, and she could hear the screams of the dying.
She scrambled to her feet and took off running. She had to get away; she had to escape this hellish nightmare! She ran as fast as she could, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to find her way out.
"KiAera don't abandon us!" She heard a familiar voice. She turned, only to witness Jane and Sarah. They were in tatters. Jane stood covered in blood, and Sarah knelt, heaving and gasping for breath.
"You promised we'd make it through this together! You promised! How could you abandon us?!" Jane yelled.
Sarah coughed up blood as she hugged herself. "We trusted you, KiAera. We believed in you. And now, we're going to die because you abandoned us!"
KiAera could only stare in horror as the two women collapsed, their bodies disintegrating into dust.
She wanted to scream; she wanted to cry, but she couldn't make a sound. She stood there, frozen, as the nightmare unfolded around her.
"Hurry, we don't have much time—" The man's plea was cut short when plasma blasted his back.
KiAera was horrified. She screamed as the man collapsed and tumbled into her arms. He was still alive, but slowly drained of life.
"Don't die! Don't die. You can't die. Stay with me. You can't die!" She shrieked as he coughed and choked.
He opened his eyes, his lips cracked and bloody. His lips moved, but no words came out: "Go. Live." His eyes rolled; his face corroding into a skull as he succumbed to death.
"No!" She cried out.
She watched helplessly as his hollow eyes met hers; the life leaving his body. She had no choice but to run, run as fast as her legs could carry her.
She shook her head. "No, we're going to win this." She turned, weaved and fired back at the unseen enemies. The mechanical monsters, they were there! She just knew what needed to be done...
Then she felt it.
Her chest burned. It felt like something was trying to claw its way out of her. She tried to ignore the pain, but it only grew worse. She fell to her knees, clutching her chest.
"Big sis...how pathetic...how weak..."
She looked up, her vision blurry. She could barely make out the figure standing before her. It slowly became clearer. It was a young girl, no older than fifteen. She looked exactly like KiAera, with short black hair and bright blue eyes. But something was off. The girl's skin was deathly pale, and her eyes seemed to glow with an unnatural light.
"You failed...you're a failure...you're not worthy to be called my sister..." the girl's grip on her heart tightened and KiAera could feel her life draining away.
"Please, I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to Aria..." she choked out.
The girl sneered. "It's too late for apologies...you've already abandoned me...just like you abandoned everyone else..."
"Aria...please..." KiAera begged, her voice faint, caught in her throat.
The girl motioned to the hole at her own chest, a gaping wound that exposed her inner machinery. "Look...look at what you did to me...this is your fault...all your fault..."
KiAera could only watch in horror as the girl began to fade away, her body dissolving into ash.
"I'm all that's left...and I'm not going to let you get away with your betrayal..." Aria's voice was a wisp of a whisper, echoing in KiAera's mind.
KiAera tried to speak, but she couldn't seem to find her voice. She was fading away, just like her sister. She was going to die, and there was nothing she could do about it.
"Enjoy your punishment, big sis..."
"KiAera! Get down!" A woman yelled.
She didn't understand what was happening, but the next thing she knew, a blast of fire incinerated her.
𓃹𓃹𓃹
KiAera bolted awake, gasping for air. It felt like her lungs were burning, and her heart was beating so fast she thought it might explode.
She glimpsed at her hands. Rather, they were furry paws. Those of a Merecritt's. She recalled she had recently evolved from a Merekit. Had the evolution caused her nightmare? Or perhaps the fault of DeNultra's brief appearance…
໒꒰ྀིっ˕ -｡꒱ྀི১૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა૮꒰⸝⸝> ̫ <⸝⸝꒱ა
[Innate Status Screen]:
Name: KiAera
Age: [2 Cycles] [25]
Race: [Merecritt]
Species: [Merecritt]
Innate: [Human 𓆩♡𓆪]
Class: [Unselected]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Variant Grade: [Common]
Attribute Influence: [Beast] [Fire]
Accumulated Particles (APeX): [6 Units]
• • • • • • •
Skills: [Max Slots: 6]
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
• • • • • • •
1. [Claw Swipe] - Beast - TECH: 1
2. [Flare Flick] - Fire - TECH: 1
3. [Spectral Flame] - Phantom - TECH: 2
• • • • • • •
Natural Species Skills: [No Limit]
• • • • • • •
1. [MereKick] - Beast - TECH: 1
2. [Bite] - Beast - TECH: 1
3. [Ear Slash] - Beast - TECH: 1
4. [Ear Punch] - Beast - TECH: 1
5. [MereHeadbutt] - Beast - TECH: 1
6. [MereSwiftness] - Beast - TECH: 2%
• • • • • • •
Resistances and Vulnerabilities
◦ [Mental Resilience: Ultra]
◦ Attribute Resistances:
[Fire] [Metal] [Plant] [Xensect] [Glacial]
[Celestial] [Evil]
◦ Attribute Vulnerabilities: [Ore] [Terra]
໒꒰ྀིっ˕ -｡꒱ྀི১૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა૮꒰⸝⸝> ̫ <⸝⸝꒱ა
"Merecritt KiAera," a voice snapped her out from her musings. She turned, realizing it belonged to the crystal monster beside her, the Big Osseod. Startled, she acknowledged that she had grown to reach at least three-fourths of its height.
The Big Osseod nuzzled her, quick to comfort her. "KiAera, stressed? Badness? Badness?!"
She wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to catch her breath. "I-It's nothing. Just a bad dream."
The Big Osseod gave her a sympathetic look before nuzzling its head on her shoulder. "KiAera, safe. Big Osseod, protect KiAera."
KiAera managed a small smile. "Thanks, Big Osseod. I appreciate it."
GamaGen was quick to assess her. | 'KiAera, what was that?' |
"I'm awake." She remarked, wiping more tears from her eyes.
| 'Indeed. That's obvious. But what was that sequence undergoing in your mind? Your mind was very vivid and active. It was as though you were experiencing something,' | the book asked, too curious for its own sake.
"I remembered things. Bad things." KiAera answered quietly.
| 'Bad things?' | GamaGen pressed, intrigued.
Her eyes narrowed. Did the book being not know about nightmares?
"Yeah. Bad things. Things that happened to me. It was a dream. Just a dream." She gave a half-truth. She did not want to divulge those horrid moments of her past.
| 'Hm. Dream. Interesting. Very interesting, indeed. I suppose you won't indulge me with such knowledge.' | GamaGen mused, its raven emblem gleaming.
She shook her head. "No, I don't think so." GamaGen may have pried into her mind, anyway. She knew about the book creature's immense craving for knowledge.
| 'Who is this Aria? She was mentioned in your nightmare.' | The book questioned, probing for answers.
She tensed. "Aria is...was...my sister." She said through gritted teeth.
| 'Your sister? Hm, intriguing. I see,' | GamaGen pondered, its raven emblem flickering to reflect its intrigue.
"Can we stop talking about this?" KiAera asked, her voice sharp.
| 'Of course, my apologies. I didn't mean to upset you,' | GamaGen replied, a hint of contrition in its voice.
KiAera sighed. She knew the book was only trying to help, but she didn't want to talk about her past, especially with someone she had just met.
The book huffed. | 'Very well. I must admit, I am intrigued by this phenomenon. Perhaps we can explore this later. For now, we should focus on more pressing matters. Such as what we are going to do with that egg.' |
KiAera looked at the Liorex egg, and she sighed. "Right, the egg. What do you think we should do with it?"
| 'That is a good question. The ArchLiorex has shown a clear interest in this egg. If we return it, it will most likely be destroyed—' |
"And that's why I will care for this unhatched child," she interrupted, then she paused, her voice softened. "It's my fault it's here, and I'll take responsibility for it."
GamaGen seemed to consider her words. | 'Hm. If that is what you wish, then so be it. I shall aid you in any way I can. But first, we must find a suitable place to keep it safe.' |
"I agree. We need to find somewhere that the ArchLiorex can't get to. Somewhere far away, where it can't hurt anyone." KiAera nodded.
Big Osseod squeaked. KiAera was surprised when a dozen of its smaller companions emerged from the ground like pebbles.
"KiAera, safe. Liorex, safe. GamaGen, safe." Big Osseod chirped, nuzzling against her.
GamaGen floated around the egg, its emblem pulsating with a mysterious glow. | 'This egg is certainly special. I can sense a great power within it. A power that could potentially rival that of the ArchLiorex. If it hatches, I believe it will become a great ally to us.' |
KiAera's ears twitched upon hearing this confirmation. No matter, how much she tried sensing the egg's presence, her [Insight] picked up nothing. All she knew about the egg was that it had an [Alpha] distinction.
She peered at the egg.
"Really? You hear that little one!" KiAera exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. "I mean, I was going to take care of it anyway, but if you think it's that important...then I guess I have no choice but to keep the little one safe."
"Big Osseod, happy," the large Osseod chirped, then it glanced at KiAera with an eager gleam in its eyes. "Keep egg safe."
| 'Ahem. Now, if I may interrupt.' | GamaGen cleared its throat.
KiAera glanced at it; the book seemed deep in thought, considering the tilt of its form.
"Oh, sorry. Yeah, what is it?" KiAera asked.
The book suddenly sprouted black, feathery wings. It used one to smack her on the back of her head. | 'Kaw! Next time use your ears! You could have been killed! I don't want to lose you. Not yet.' | The book seemed to chide her, and the book smacked her again.
"Ouch! Hey!" She rubbed the back of her head, frowning. "What was that for?"
| 'It was for not using your brawn! You are a Merecritt! You've gained an affinity for their powers. You can use them now. Yet you do not. Why?' | GamaGen snapped.
"Well, I uh..." She was at a loss for words. "I...don't know how. I didn't know I could."
The book glared at her for a long moment before letting out a sigh. | 'You really don't know anything, do you?' | The book's pages flipped to-and-fro, resembling a head shake.
| 'Now, get to it. Use your ears, they're strong. Like limbs.' |
"Right," she shook her head and sighed. Her gaze fell on an ear, and she focused. It twitched on command, then it lengthened, retracting back and forth. "I guess I can control it, but I have no idea how I'm going to use it. What can I do with it?" She peered up at GamaGen.
| 'Why, anything you want!' | GamaGen's wings spread. The book looked as if it was grinning. It began to float, hovering in front of her face, its pages fluttering. | 'With the right training, you can learn to use your ears to accomplish almost anything. You can use them to attack, to defend yourself, to listen for danger...the possibilities are endless.' |
It paused, | 'Well, not endless, but you get the gist. Those nubs at the end of those ears are like human fingers, they can hold and grasp items. They're very versatile.' |
KiAera's eyes narrowed as she assessed her ears. "Huh, that's neat." She retracted one, and she reached out, the appendage grasping the Liorex egg. It stunned her upon discovering the large egg was light to carry in her ear. Far better than using her feeble paws which couldn't lift more than a rock. "Oh wow! That's convenient!"
She used her ears to lift the egg again, and then she placed it gently on the ground. Whistling, her gaze met her Merecritt ear appendages. These things belied a great strength! They felt so soft and fluffy, yet they could carry an immense load.
"Wait," she paused, something dawning on her. "If I can use my ears like this, why didn't you tell me earlier?"
GamaGen glared at her. | 'Why didn't I tell you? Well, if I recall correctly, you were too busy getting into fights with giant predators to use them! And besides, I thought it was obvious! How could you not know how to use your own ears?!' | The book's tone sounded more amused than enraged.
She huffed. "Well, excuse me for not knowing how to use my new appendages. I'm still getting used to this whole 'monster' thing, okay? Cut me some slack, will ya?"
That prompted GamaGen to chuckle. It's body quaked, and its pages fluttered. Then it began to float again. It circled around her, its symbol gazing at her intently. | 'Fine, I shall forgive you, this once. But in the future, you must pay closer attention. And please, don't get into any more fights without my knowledge. I'd hate to see you get hurt again.' |
The book's words surprised her. It sounded so...worried about her. She wasn't sure how to feel about that. On one hand, she was touched that GamaGen cared about her so much. On the other hand, she didn't want to be seen as weak or helpless. Before her transformation into this fluffy beast, she was the one guiding people through difficult situations!
KiAera shrugged her ears. "I'll try my best, but I can't promise anything."
| 'I suppose that is the best I can hope for.' | The book seemed satisfied with her answer. | 'Now, we must continue onward. There is no telling what dangers await us.' |
KiAera nodded. "Right." She looked at Big Osseod. "You ready, buddy?"
Big Osseod chirped. "KiAera, safe! Big Osseod, protect KiAera!" It said as it waddled beside her.
The creature turned to its smaller kin and gave a series of chirps and squeaks. A few of them seemed to nod before following their leader as they waddled forth.
"What did you tell them?" KiAera asked with a paw to her chin.
"Little Osseods, safe. Stay with KiAera." Big Osseod explained. "They...good. Follow orders."
KiAera smiled. "That's good. I'm glad you've got such obedient buddies."
The large Osseod beamed. "Yes! Good Osseods!"
"Okay then, let's get going." KiAera said, feeling confident with her new companions. She faced the Liorex egg and lifted it with her ears. "I hope you don't mind if I carry you like this, little guy. I don't know how else to transport you without the risk of dropping you."
The egg remained silent. She supposed that was to be expected.
Her other set of ears perked as the etchings on its surface then shimmered ever so slightly and faded.
She smiled. "I'll take that as a yes."
She stepped forward, and Big Osseod and its kin waddled after her.
"I hope you guys know where you're going," she looked over her shoulder at the Osseods.
GamaGen floated by her side. | 'Oh, do not worry about that. We will find a suitable location for our young friend here. But first, we must reach the edge of this tunnel. The way out should not be too far.' | The book assured her.
| 'This reminds me, Madam Szylla has a pupil whom…no...not him…' |
Szylla? KiAera inquired, she said nothing more, as the book hovered further ahead. Following behind, everyone continued their trek through the tunnels.
From Ilosphat to tyrannosaurus lion, huh? Quite the adventure so far. She knew there were many dangers in this world, but she hoped they could find somewhere safe for the Liorex egg.
And, if they were lucky, maybe she could even find a way back home.
She sighed. That was probably a longshot. But a girl could dream, right?
She shook her head and pushed those thoughts aside. She needed to focus on the present. There would be plenty of time for daydreaming later.